15-05-2025
IFGTB hosts ‘Western Ghats Unboxed' event to mark International Museum Day in Coimbatore
The Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB) commemorated International Museum Day with a special event titled 'Western Ghats Unboxed' at the Gass Forest Museum in Coimbatore on Thursday.
The programme was aimed at raising awareness among students and the public about the ecological and conservation importance of the Western Ghats.
Supported by the Builders Association of India (Coimbatore Chapter), Omega Tribes, Young India, Gardeners Club, and other organisations, the event began with a lecture titled 'Where Science Meets Story: Explore, Learn, Protect' by B. Meenakshi Sundaram, an award-winning journalist.
Following the talk, P. Chandrashekaran, Chief Technical Officer at the Gass Forest Museum, conducted a guided tour for participants, outlining the museum's history and its collection of approximately 10,000 species native to the Western Ghats. He emphasised the importance of forest preservation..
K. Ganesh Kumar IFS, Head of Extension at the museum, said the event primarily targeted school and college students to deepen their understanding of local biodiversity, its history, and evolution.
Plans are under way to enhance the museum experience with the addition of an eco-park, a Western Ghats simulation, and a 3D theatre to provide a more interactive environment for visitors.
